Prince Madoc the Pilgrim was
the son of King Sawyl Penuchel (the Arrogant) of the Southern Pennines by
his first wife, the daughter of King Muiredach of Ulster. As such, he was
brought up at his grandfather's Irish court where he became
interested in the Christian religion. He was educated in Leinster before
travelling across the Irish Sea to Glyn Rhosyn to study the scriptures
under St. Dewi (David). He was later taught by
St. Cennydd at Llangennith,
and founded the church at nearby Llanmadoc on the Gower Peninsula. Madoc
was well known for his kindness to the poor and often gave away his food
and clothes to them, while he himself lived on bread and water. Upon St.
Dewi's death, he became the Abbot of Glyn Rhosyn, but later returned to
Ireland to found famous monasteries like Ferns, Drumlane, Rossinver and
Clonmore. He died in extreme old age on a visit to Mynyw (St. Davids) on
31st January (or 25th April) 626. His body was taken back to Ireland for burial though.
His relics can still be seen in Armagh Cathedral and in the National
Museum of Ireland.